Post by: mmullins on December 03, 2015, 07:52:29 PM
From the Research i have done i am looking for a 2006 and up 18' V bottom aluminum boat, prefer four stroke outboard 75HP and up motor. Boats that catch my eye are Alumaweld stryker or talon, Willie's Predator, Hewescraft Sportsman, ECT...
Main questions would be what would be the downfall of a Jet pump for the lakes? I prefer a out boad because a inboard seems to take up a lot of room.
If anyone has a boat with what i am describing and are looking to sell PM me. Very serious but still on a budget. Looking for the best boat that is ready to fish... Fish Finder, Kicker motor, anchor, down riggers, fish/depth finder, rod holders ect...
Post by: WSU on December 03, 2015, 08:19:19 PM
Post by: lokidog on December 03, 2015, 08:19:40 PM
Figure out your maximum budget, you will probably need it, and just keep watching craigslist and other places for used boats. Unfortunately for the used boat buyer, aluminum boats keep their value better than fiberglass. Tom n Jerry's sometimes has used boats available.
Good luck. Any ??s feel free to ask.
Pump is less power and worse fuel efficiency. Unless you are river fishing I wouldn't get s pump
:yeah: and even river fishing, unless youare running really shallow water, you don't need it.
Post by: GoldenOscar on December 03, 2015, 08:38:00 PM
I am pretty new to the boating world and just over a year ago bought a 19' Stryker with the inboard sport jet.....The doghouse really doesnt seem to get in the way too much and actually makes a nice seat when running the kicker motor which is 90% of the time. Its been a crabbing, Salmon, Steelhead, trout fishing boat and I can comfortably have 4 guys on the boat plus the dog. The inboard is pretty loud though. I was looking for a Hewes with outboard when I found mine used and so far very happy with it.
Post by: Rick on December 04, 2015, 12:43:37 PM
A jet makes 30% less power than a comparable prop outboard. They burn more fuel and are considerably louder.
Post by: The scout on December 04, 2015, 12:53:50 PM
Post by: WSU on December 04, 2015, 01:06:42 PM
Post by: allen on December 04, 2015, 09:23:21 PM
Post by: Stein on December 04, 2015, 09:33:36 PM
I only have experience with the Willie, they are solid boats. I would look at a minimum of 16', that is what I run now and I take it all over the salt. I had a 21', but it is too much for one or two people to take out all the time.
Look at how many people you want to take on the average day and size it from there. Bigger is better, it is also more expensive, heavier to tow, more expensive to store and harder to handle on and off the trailer.
There are tons of boats with 4 stroke outboards that would fit the bill.
Post by: mmullins on December 04, 2015, 09:45:52 PM
Post by: mainer78 on December 04, 2015, 10:01:58 PM
Post by: Dan-o on December 04, 2015, 10:04:43 PM
If you get an 18" deep v and 75 HP, you'll really wish you got 100+HP.
Burning another gallon or so over the day is worth it...... :twocents:
Post by: lokidog on December 04, 2015, 10:16:58 PM
There's a reason there are more pumps than props for sale, and cheaper..... :rolleyes: :chuckle:
There is also really no difference in launching a 17 or 21' aluminum boat from a boat ramp with a dock. Even off the each, the aluminum boats with the walk-through windshield are quite easy to deal with. Of course storage and hauling might be more of an issue, but a half ton pickup can easily handle a 21' aluminum boat.
Aluminum boats are lighter and do not need to be powered as if they were a heavy fiberglass boat. My 19' has a 90 hp on it and has never had a lack of power issue. Also, don't worry too much about the whole deep V thing on the salt, any water conditions that would require a deep v over something with less deadrise you won't be able to go very fast anyways. :twocents:
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 05, 2015, 04:00:29 PM
Big difference between needing enough power to plain with 3-4 bodies on board and trying to get enough thrust to pull a skier or a tube. Under powered and you will hammer your valves and risk spinning a prop if you try to pull a skier and are under powered.
I ran a 16.3 Hewescraft with a 60hp yami on it. I re pitched the prop and could do 27mph with 4 people on board. I watched the weather and ran 40-45 miles offshore for tuna and halibut. It was a great boat. But it wouldn't pull a skier and did ok with tubes.
I now own a 22' Hewescraft , full cabin, offshore bracket, loaded with every option. I have a Yami 150 pushing it. It will do 40mph loaded and eats big water. 50-60 miles off shore is the norm. It will pull 2-3 tubes and no problem with skiers.
If your looking 18-19' range you need at least a 115 on the back to accomplish your goals.
And don't settle on what you can afford now if it doesn't fit your needs. Add another year to your purchase plans and get what you want. :twocents:
Post by: Blacklab on December 06, 2015, 07:21:56 AM
My buddy has 21-22 ft thunder jet. Great boat! He bought brand new 2003 with Suzuki 115 outboard. It went south just after the warrenty was up. Decided to go Yamaha 150. This thing flat out boot scoots. Never really new how under powered it was till the Yamaha came along. Like the others have said. Better to have it and not need it. Then to need it and not have it. Power that is :twocents:.
Post by: hiway_99 on December 06, 2015, 08:28:01 AM
Post by: Stein on December 06, 2015, 08:59:24 AM
There is also really no difference in launching a 17 or 21' aluminum boat from a boat ramp with a dock. Even off the each, the aluminum boats with the walk-through windshield are quite easy to deal with. Of course storage and hauling might be more of an issue, but a half ton pickup can easily handle a 21' aluminum boat.
On a windy day, I would totally disagree with this, my 21' was a beast to launch by myself. Also, at 21' I had to watch the tides as there were many places that got sketchy at low water.
The 21' also destroyed my tow vehicle, a 1/2 ton can pull it but you will probably take 50% off the life of the transmission if you pull it with any frequency.
Post by: lokidog on December 06, 2015, 09:46:18 AM
There is also really no difference in launching a 17 or 21' aluminum boat from a boat ramp with a dock. Even off the each, the aluminum boats with the walk-through windshield are quite easy to deal with. Of course storage and hauling might be more of an issue, but a half ton pickup can easily handle a 21' aluminum boat.
On a windy day, I would totally disagree with this, my 21' was a beast to launch by myself. Also, at 21' I had to watch the tides as there were many places that got sketchy at low water.
The 21' also destroyed my tow vehicle, a 1/2 ton can pull it but you will probably take 50% off the life of the transmission if you pull it with any frequency.
I'm sorry, but if it is that windy that it is hard with a 21' you probably shouldn't be on the water. I launch my boat all the time by myself with no dock, and yes, sometimes in 20+ mph crosswinds. And, as far as sketchy ramps, three foot of boat length probably won't make them more, or less, sketchy. You just have to be familiar with the ramp and when you can or can't launch. I know I can launch at ours at a -0.5 but this is tough to land as the trailer has to be pulled up over the end of the ramp.
As far as power goes, no boat dealer will put a sub standard engine on their boat as stock because it would make their boats look bad. The may go bare minimum. like a 60 on a 17' Stryker IMO, but it will still function within parameters if the boat is not overloaded. BTW, four 200 pound guys in a 17' Stryker, is overloaded, technically so for my 19' as well with a max payload of 750lbs. Having said that, I have had 2100 pounds in my boat (me + chicken food, gas cans, bags of redimix, etc) and was still able to get it up on plane with the stock 90hp engine. It took a lot of cajoling and finesse, but it made it. I would not however recommend this activity to anyone. So, my suggestion would be when you are testing boats out, bring your max passenger load with you plus one and make sure to take into consideration whether or not the fuel tank is full, 30g of fuel adds about 210 pounds to the mix (this amount will not be part of the max load rating as I think it is considered part of the boat in their ratings). And, boats all have a max HP rating as well as a maximum weight for the engine. Unfortunately, four strokes tend to weigh a crapload more than two strokes and that extra 20 hp might add a huge amount of extra weight, depending of course on the block size, etc. of the engines you are looking at. And, if it is an aftermarket, or even upgraded engine that is larger than stock it will add $$ to the cost as Hp=$$.
So, take these observations or not, just some things I have noticed while putting 2500-3500 miles a year on my boat out on Puget Sound. 8)
Post by: mmullins on December 06, 2015, 12:52:12 PM
Post by: lokidog on December 06, 2015, 01:40:42 PM
If you can swing new, consider going to OR to buy as most dealers will sell you the trailer and motor on a separate ticket and you will save the sales tax when registering it in WA.
Post by: Crunchy on December 06, 2015, 02:36:15 PM
Post by: cavemann on December 07, 2015, 02:12:37 PM
Long story short, jet and shallow V is not what you want. I will be buying an outboard next time, the jets are notorious maintenance pigs. I've been across the bar in jets and will never do it again. It is possible, but doesn't mean it is enjoyable. You'll be happier with a deeper V and heavier hull prop. It will get you everywhere but up shallow rivers, which i didn't see you mention.
Post by: mmullins on December 22, 2015, 03:28:24 PM
Boat 1:
2008 Hewescraft 180 Sportsman 18': powered by an low hour Honda 75 hp outboard and a 8 hp Honda kicker. Boat is very very clean. Has a new top in it but other than that no real other bells and whistles.
Boat 2:
2008 Alumaweld Stkyker 20': powered by a brand new Mercury 115 outboard and a band new 8 hp Mercury kicker. Boat has top, ski/fishing tower, canvas top, anchor system, lowrance hds 5 fish Finder. This boat is in used shape. Not bad but has seen some dock rash. Some paint peels here and there. No real noticeable signs of sitting in the salt. All in all a solid boat, it's just defiantly seen more use.
So I understand that the hewes tend to be a better build and it's also about $2000 cheaper than the alumaweld. The alumaweld is coming from a dealer and the motors have 3 year warrants on them.
I am leaning towards the hewes as it looks like it's never seen water and I think with it being a little smaller it might be a little easier to operate. My biggest concern about the hewes is will the 75hp be enough to do what I want to do.
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 22, 2015, 03:39:01 PM
Other than that as far as the boat goes, your better off with the Hewes. A little better built than the Alumaweld as far as fit and finish. And if you can see use/abuse on the Alumaweld than who knows what you cant see.
Check the welds, pin hole pitting on the hull. The small stuff that can be major stuff down the road.
Best of luck whatever direction you go.
Post by: allen on December 23, 2015, 03:00:10 PM
Good luck!
Post by: C-Money on December 23, 2015, 03:13:16 PM
Post by: Mossy on December 23, 2015, 11:29:58 PM
Ok, here's where I am at now. I have bank preaproved and have been looking at boats. There are two that I am having a hard time making a decision. Both have their pros and cons. Hoping to get some advice from you guys.
Boat 1:
2008 Hewescraft 180 Sportsman 18': powered by an low hour Honda 75 hp outboard and a 8 hp Honda kicker. Boat is very very clean. Has a new top in it but other than that no real other bells and whistles.
Boat 2:
2008 Alumaweld Stkyker 20': powered by a brand new Mercury 115 outboard and a band new 8 hp Mercury kicker. Boat has top, ski/fishing tower, canvas top, anchor system, lowrance hds 5 fish Finder. This boat is in used shape. Not bad but has seen some dock rash. Some paint peels here and there. No real noticeable signs of sitting in the salt. All in all a solid boat, it's just defiantly seen more use.
So I understand that the hewes tend to be a better build and it's also about $2000 cheaper than the alumaweld. The alumaweld is coming from a dealer and the motors have 3 year warrants on them.
I am leaning towards the hewes as it looks like it's never seen water and I think with it being a little smaller it might be a little easier to operate. My biggest concern about the hewes is will the 75hp be enough to do what I want to do.
Had the same exact setup with the hewes, same motors and all. Although it suited my needs for the most part, I wished for the 115(max rating for the 18). The best I did was 34 but that's full open. It was about the perfect size for around here and easy to launch alone. That being said, a 20 footer is much more comfortable with a few people and probably better suited for what you want to do with it.
Post by: lokidog on December 27, 2015, 02:57:00 PM
I think in the end you would be a lot happier with the Stryker. Don't forget the depth finder is about $500 plus other add-ons when you are comparing prices.
Post by: Crunchy on December 27, 2015, 03:21:43 PM
Post by: C-Money on December 28, 2015, 11:02:56 AM
The sportsman is rated for 5 people. I have a 90 Honda on mine and it is perfect. Heck I am pretty sure a 75 would be just as good.
I too think the 75hp would be just fine. Sounds like a nice find. See if you can find some open water and take a test drive. When I was boat shopping, all my questions about performance were put to rest after a few minutes on the water.
Post by: Gringo31 on December 28, 2015, 11:18:17 AM
Your budget number works if you are patient.
Post by: The scout on December 28, 2015, 12:13:29 PM
Post by: MADMAX on December 28, 2015, 12:15:22 PM
really like it
saw this one CL
decent price
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bod/5367918011.html
Post by: mmullins on December 28, 2015, 03:48:18 PM
Post by: lokidog on December 28, 2015, 07:02:06 PM
Post by: C-Money on December 29, 2015, 08:38:38 AM